Verizon struck a$ billion deal this morning to buy Frontier Communications wy's Alisia solarzano joins us to talk about what that deal could mean for phone and internet customers here in the Northern Tier and what state officials have to say about it Alicia what can you tell us Kurt Verizon says there are several things for customers to look forward to after its purchase of Frontier Communications for residents of the Northern Tier however that could translate to a boost in their internet and phone services after years of unreliable connections representatives from Verizon say quote the Strategic acquisition will increase Verizon's scale with 2.2 million fiber subscribers an extend of Verizon's Network reached to 25 million premises across 31 States and Washington DC accelerating the company's delivery of Premium mobility and Broadband connectivity services on a local scale Northern Tier residents have had issues with reliable connection from from Frontier over the last few years this led to local and state representatives filing formal complaints and an eventual settlement with Frontier state representatives Tina picket and Clint alette saying that they are hopeful that Verizon upholds those deals and provides better service in the area overall certainly we have not much of a future hope for Frontier and what they're willing to build out in the area even if they keep up with the repair and service uh we don't see much of a buildup probability so this uh this could be a major answer for our area let's let's really hope that that's what it is people have been through very difficult times paying out significant money for service they have not been receiving well that's going to be my question to the Pu and the Office of Consumer Advocate is to what binding that that settlement has on any sale uh we're going to Advocate that it does and it should because we believe that there needs to continue to be an investment in rural Pennsylvania specifically our area to make sure our service um is is quality and and actually exists uh so we're going to Advocate at the highest level to make sure that that continues both outlette and picket say only time will tell how the Verizon Frontier deal will affect phone and internet access in the Northern Tier however if people continue to have service issues during and after the transition period to Verizon outlet and picket are encouraging them to reach out to their offices for help Kurt